Autism: Recent Research Into the Cause
Doctors and researchers are yet to find the cause of autism, but some of latest autism studies may have found important links between certain genes and the condition. Although these studies have not yet been able to determine the exact cause of the condition, these latest research results may have gotten us one step closer to those elusive answers.
About autism and how it affects us...
Autism is basically a brain disorder that has a number of signs and symptoms including:
- Inappropriate behavior including obsessive tendencies
- Behavioral problems
- Poor imagination when playing
- Problems with communication and understanding others
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The condition mainly affects a persons ability to communicate with others, and can make social interaction extremely difficult. The condition effects each person differently, and some sufferers may be mildly affected by the condition, whilst others encounter a wide range of problems and disabilities.
Research into the causes of autism
The cause of autism is so far unknown. Doctors have suspected that faulty genes and abnormal connections to the brain play a big part in the cause of autism, and they've been working hard to prove these links. To investigate the genetic link theory further, researchers have been studying a number of chromosomes to help find those important answers. There have been a number of research projects that have taken place over the last few years, and the recent studies have unearthed a variety of findings.
In one of the most recent studies researchers found a new human gene that may increase the chances of autism. The project studied over a 1,000 families in a number of countries, took almost 5 years to complete, and primarily focused on chromosome 11. It was here that they found what they are calling the neurexin 1 gene. Further research is needed, but doctors are confident that this may be the key to the cause of this so far puzzling condition.
In a second study, researchers were focusing their attentions on another chromosome, chromosome 13, as they believe that the answers to the condition may lie here. It is thought that this genetic link may account for around 15% of all autistic cases, but again, further investigation is needed.
The exact cause has yet to be found, but the findings from these independent research projects could be the key to unearthing the so far unanswered questions about autism. These breakthroughs will also play a huge role in the treatment of autism, and will help to find new and more effective treatment options for sufferers. The diagnosis of the condition may also become far easier with this new information, and allow doctors to effectively and accurately test for the condition. [1 & 2]
Autism in the family
Yet anther study has recently discovered that families with an autistic child have a 5% chance of having another child with autism. This study was once again focusing on chromosome 13 when the link was found. Doctors have speculated for sometime that autism is in fact hereditary, and this study goes a long why to proving this theory. [3]
References -
1 - Researchers find first common autism gene – http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/researchers-find-first-common-autism-gene-1675964.html. Accessed Sept 13, 2009.
2 - First common autism gene found – http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE53R7UC20090429. Accessed Sept 13, 2009.
3 - Autism gene link – http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/544055.stm. Accessed Sept 13, 2009.
